American Goulash

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 35 min | Servings: 6

Recipe by Chef John from Food Wishes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cayenne to taste
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, rinsed with 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 rounded cups elbow macaroni
• 1 packed cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• Fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes
3. Add ground beef, break it up, and brown until no pink remains
4. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and Italian herbs, cook for 1 minute
5. Add bay leaves, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce with rinse water, and soy sauce
6. Bring to a boil, stir in elbow macaroni, then reduce to a simmer
7. Cover and cook about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender
8. Remove bay leaves, stir in white cheddar until melted
9. Garnish with fresh parsley

Notes

• Also known as American Chop Suey, Chili Mac, Johnny Marzetti, or Slumgullion
• Check pasta doneness around the 10 minute mark
• Rinsing the marinara jar with water gets every last bit of sauce and adds liquid